System Controls Reliability and Assessment Effort

This study investigates whether internal control reliability affects information system audit hours and fees. Based on archived workpaper data from 60 clients of an international auditing firm we provide quantifiable evidence that welldesigned internal controls that are in place and operating effectively lead to decreased information system control assessment effort and lower assessment fees. The information system audit fee savings we document may be considered a significant benefit by companies determining the merit of an investment in information system controls.